Pros and Cons of Rural Living: What to Know Before Moving!
Living in a rural area can offer a very different lifestyle from urban or suburban living. Over the years of developing large lot rural communities, I have fantasized many times about packing it up from the comfortable suburban lifestyle I led and moving to the country. It didn’t happen because there were mitigating factors, and I also didn’t want to break the one cardinal rule of land development: “Never live in a community that you developed.” Ask any land developer or builder/developer who did for details!
Late at night you get to imagining the lifestyle, sun coming up over the mountains, sound of a burbling creek outside, maybe even the wakeup oinks and grunts from a few barnyard animals just added to your rural family. Solitude, peace of mind, the chance to breath again. Get the coffee going, step out on the front porch, stretch a bit and look for deer, elk or other wild critters that might be seen where the field meets the tree line. Natural morning sounds only, no traffic or noise pollution!
Sounds pretty good, right? Before getting too carried away it might be a good idea to look at the pros and cons. After that, I added a few crucial tips that deserve a thoughtful look when considering this lifestyle change .
Upsides of Rural Living:
Space and privacy - I think it might be overstating a bit if I said that I did a ton of after-sale market research with my buyers, but hand’s down the two biggest reasons that my buyers took the rural plunge was more space and privacy. It’s what they all wanted and 5 acres or more was the sweet spot.
Peace and quiet and a slower pace of life - These can surely be lifestyle advantages. A sense of tranquility is something that is attractive in almost everyone’s imagination. Less impact from congestion and a chance to think… to not be impacted as much by the trappings of time schedules and outside demands.
Natural beauty - Surrounded by nature, open landscapes, and fresh air is a big attraction. I was lucky to develop large lots that featured mountain, foothill and/or territorial views. Sometimes riverfront or waterfront. There’s nothing like the feeling of being at one with nature, to see just how much bigger and more magnificent it is than little ‘ole me.
Tighter knit communities, a small town atmosphere - Not that it can’t be the case in suburban living, but if you and your neighbors are living a slower and more peaceful lifestyle, then the chance of getting to know each other can be a bit easier. To really get to know them in a relaxed atmosphere and where small favors are exchanged. You get to see folks in town that you actually know, and they know you too.
Lower cost of living - It’s possible, but not guaranteed that housing and land can be cheaper than in the cities. Part of it depends just how far out you go and if there is supporting road and utility infrastructure, construction options, and critical services etc. Living the rural lifestyle might also result in lower taxes and overall expenses.
Downsides of Rural Living:
We all know that life isn’t a panacea, no matter where you go or what you do there can be factors that create downsides in an otherwise great situation. The same can be true for rural living so let’s take a look at a few.
Isolation - Social opportunities can be fewer. Some people may feel lonely or cut off from cultural events and amenities that they knew before.
Infrastructure challenges - Roads may be poorly maintained. Services like snow removal can take time. Less flexibility in school bus schedules, public transportation, and emergency services.
Limited access to services - Longer travel times for basic needs. Fewer hospitals, schools, shopping centers, and entertainment options.
Fewer job opportunities - Limited employment sectors, especially for specialized fields. This can require commuting or heavy reliance on remote work (if you do work).
Internet & tech gaps - Slower or unreliable internet and cell service in some areas. This can affect work, education, and entertainment options.
A Few Crucial Tips:
It would also be important (critical?) to make sure that your Grizzly Adams rural dream is shared by your spouse, significant other, and family. There has been more than one self-reliant pioneer who pressed the wife too hard and wound up living alone in the backwoods a couple of years later.
It’s also important to consider the inevitability of the passage of time. What looks easy and doable on 20 acres at the age of 35 can take on a whole new meaning 30 years down the road. Time doesn’t stand still my friends!
Nonetheless, There Is A Growing Attraction To Rural Living:
Just look at the influx of new transplants in states like Idaho, Montana, Northern Arizona and parts of the mid-west and rural NE. Part of the attraction has to do with the positives that the rural environment has to offer, but it also has to do with how unattractive urban living has become in some cities - congestion, pollution, crime rates and non-stop news cycles on just how crappy everything has become deep within the urban collective.
No wonder so many folks are looking for a more nostalgic and understandable lifestyle. Just go in with your eyes open!
Good luck!
Contact me at: ldr@landdevlopmentrealities.com
